Advent is a time of spiritually preparing for the Christmas season when we proclaim the historic coming of Jesus into the world. We welcome him and glorify him who remains with us.
To celebrate the beginning of Advent, on Monday evening nearly 100 women from our community, along with our parish priest, came together for an event called Advent by Candlelight.
The evening began by meeting and sharing with one another. We met friends, we met acquaintances, we met new people. We then gathered at beautifully decorated tables, each prepared by a "hostess" who had invited seven other women to join her. A variety of desserts, hot cider, and coffee were served.
Next we dimmed the lights and lit one of four candles at each table. We listened to selected Scripture readings from the Old Testament beginning with Genesis and leading up to the birth of the Savior. After each reading we sang an Advent carole and lit one other candle, symbolizing light coming into the darkness. Finally we lit each of the votive candles at each place setting and sang "Christ be Our Light." The room was aglow with candlelight.
It felt good to take time at the beginning of what can be a hectic season, just to reflect on its real purpose and to do so with others in the community. Some women have already volunteered to host a table for next year.
Christ be our light,
Shine in our darkness...
No comments:
Post a Comment